By Lilian U Okoro
The Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has surpassed 2.1 million learning experiences delivered to young people across Nigeria over the past 26 years, further reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading youth-focused development organisations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAWW), the oldest economic empowerment NGOin the world, established in 1919 and operating in more than 120 countries.
The Acting Executive Director of JAN, Mr Olaolu Akogun, said in a statement on Monday that through practical, experiential learning programmes, JA Nigeria continued to equip young people with critical skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital literacy, and work readiness.
This he said, helped to bridge the gap between education and employment.
He noted that financial literacy remained one of its strongest impact areas, with over 675,000 learning experiences delivered nationwide.
He said that entrepreneurship and mentorship initiatives had also impacted no fewer than 518,000 beneficiaries, while employability and workplace readiness programmes reached no fewer than 200,000 young people across the 36 states and the FCT.
Akogun said: “Surpassing 2.1 million learning experiences is a testament to 26 years of consistency, but our focus is entirely on the future.
“As the global economy evolves, we are actively modernising our curriculum to ensure that digital literacy, tech agility, and market-ready skills are at the center of every young Nigerian’s journey.
“We aren’t just preparing youth to find jobs; we are equipping them to create them.
“In 2025, JA Nigeria emerged as a strong performer within the JA Africa network, ranking first in the African Company of the Year Competition.
“Also earning representation at the prestigious JA Worldwide De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Competition, where students from different continents showcase innovative business solutions and entrepreneurial talent.’’
He noted that additionally, 4,500 students in Abuja were equipped with hands-on learning, innovation challenges, and industry mentorship through the ExxonMobil STEM Innovation Camp.
According to him, the initiative culminated in Nigeria securing second place at the African STEM Competition held in Cape Town, South Africa, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation for youth innovation and STEM excellence.
JA Nigeria also expanded digital awareness and digital skills training, reaching nearly 82,000 young people with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Akogun reflected on the broader impact of the organisation’s work.
“Reaching 2.1 million young people is a proud milestone.
“But the true measure of our success lies in the classrooms transformed by teachers who work closely with us, the businesses started by our alumni, and the underserved communities given a fair shot at economic mobility.
“We remain deeply committed to building an inclusive, sustainable framework that prepares the next generation to lead,” he said.
NAN also reports that the organisation’s commitment to inclusion continues to shape its implementation approach.
Through targeted interventions such as the SET4LYF program, JA Nigeria has supported no fewer than 400 girls living with disabilities, while expanding access to reach more underserved communities, ensuring broader access to opportunity and learning.
Beyond student engagement, JA Nigeria has strengthened educational systems through the training of over 3,000 teachers, equipping educators with practical teaching methodologies, leadership development skills, and innovative learning approaches that extend impact into classrooms and communities nationwide.
Junior Achievement Nigeria maintains its commitment to raising a generation of confident, skilled, and socially responsible young leaders prepared to contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic growth and build thriving communities across Nigeria and beyond.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu